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Poor solubility and non-specific biological distribution are critical obstacles for applying Juglone (Jug) into clinical practice. To improve the antitumor efficacy of Jug, an iRGDmodified red blood cell membrane (RBCm)… Click to show full abstract
Poor solubility and non-specific biological distribution are critical obstacles for applying Juglone (Jug) into clinical practice. To improve the antitumor efficacy of Jug, an iRGDmodified red blood cell membrane (RBCm) platform was developed to package Jug and Oxaliplatin (Oxa). The stability and release of iRGD-modified RBCm nanoparticles loaded with Jug and Oxa (RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-iRGD-NPs) were evaluated by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. The in vitro uptake and cytotoxicity of such nanoparticles were detected by immunofluorescence microscope and Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium ( MTT), respectively. Near-infrared imaging was utilized to confirm the tumor-targeting. The in vivo antitumor activity was evaluated in a xenografted nude mice model stablished by HCT-116 cells. In vitro studies, iRGD promoted the uptake of NPs by tumor cells, as shown by high fluorescence intensity and low cell viability. Also, the NPs retained higher amount of drug at the tumor site for a long time,while in vivo study indicated that the RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-iRGD-NPs exhibited higher efficacy to eradicate human colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografted tumors than RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-NPs and free Jug/Oxa. The RBCm-(Jug, Oxa)-iRGD-NPs significantly enhanced tumor targeting and antitumor effect. Thus, this innovative nanoplatform offers a potent strategy to improve anti-CRC efficacy.